Tim Howard says Chelsea have to ‘admit’ Noni Madueke to Arsenal transfer mistake

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Arsenal and Chelsea have gone from London rivals to transfer acquaintances over the years.

Arsenal have signed many players from Chelsea since Mikel Arteta took charge, increasing the tally by two in the 2025 summer transfer window. 

The Gunners signed Kepa Arrizabalaga as a back-up to David Raya, but the real talking point came from the decision to pay almost £50m for Noni Madueke. 

Madueke’s transfer was disputed by fans, who couldn’t understand what the Arsenal manager was thinking, but already, the winger has left his doubters red-faced. 

• READ MORE: Noni Madueke reveals what he really thinks of Bukayo Saka competition after Nottingham Forest masterclass

Tim Howard thinks Chelsea made an error selling Noni Madueke to Arsenal

Only four games into the Premier League season, and the former Chelsea ace has shown that those who questioned the transfer were wrong, with his form not only showing up the group of fans who were against him. 

Chelsea have also been embarrassed by Madueke’s move, as per the belief of Tim Howard.

“It’s a miss. Chelsea have missed that one, and that’s going to happen, because they sign so many talented young players,” Howard told NBC Sports.

The iconic Premier League goalkeeper continued by urging the Blues to admit that they misjudged the decision to offload Madueke.

“He’s a special player. He never should have been let go by Chelsea. They got that one wrong, and they have to admit that.”

Chelsea did bolster their wide options in the summer by signing Brazilian superstarlet Esteveao, as well as Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho.

The Blues paid a whopping £88m to sign Gittens and Garnacho, but was the expense worth it to lose Madueke?

Enzo Maresca said Madueke wanted to leave Chelsea

Madueke is flying at Arsenal, just as he is for England, being one of Thomas Tuchel’s favourites to make the Three Lions’ World Cup squad. 

Leaving Chelsea was a big call from the winger, but it wasn’t necessarily what Arsenal’s rivals wanted. 

Speaking in a press conference at the Club World Cup just before Madueke’s transfer was announced, Enzo Maresca admitted ‘nobody’ instructed the forward to leave.

“Noni decided to leave, nobody told Noni he had to leave. If he is happy, we are happy,” the Chelsea manager said.

At only 23, Arsenal could really get the best out of Madueke, who, being so young, is like a blank canvas for Arteta to explore, which could pain those at Stamford Bridge.